Rap artist Mystikal is facing possible life imprisonment after being arrested on charges of rape and extortion last week in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Now, police there say that Mystikal's alleged victim, a 40-year-old hair stylist that worked for the rap star, tipped them off to the existence of a videotape that purportedly shows Mystikal and two men sexually assaulting the woman after accusing her of stealing their money.

Baton Rouge Police Department spokeswoman Mary Ann Godawa says the tape, found in the performer's apartment and since entered into evidence, confirms the allegations against Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Tyler.

The rape, which authorities say occurred July 3 at Mystikal's residence, resulted in his arrest last Thursday with 36-year-old Leland Ellis and 34-year-old Vercy Carter. All three men were booked on charges of aggravated rape and extortion after threatening to turn the unidentified woman over to police for an alleged "check-writing scam," if she didn't perform sexual favors for them in return.

Mystikal, a Grammy nominee for his funkified booty anthem "Shake Ya Ass," was later released on $250,000 bail and has denied all the charges against him, as have his lawyers.

"I am extremely confident that he will be exonerated of all charges that are currently pending against him," said attorney Michael Guy in a statement.

Bail had yet to be set for the other two men.

According to the arrest warrant, the victim stopped by Mystikal's house to braid his hair. Once she arrived, he accused her of stealing money by cashing unauthorized checks written by one of his associates who had access to the rapper's accounts. When he commanded her to "get into the bedroom and take your clothes off," the report says the woman felt afraid and did as ordered. He then allegedly forced her to perform oral sex on him.

It was at that point that Mystikal called Ellis and Carter over to the house and, police say, made Ellis get the camcorder and record the rapper having intercourse with the woman. The warrant also says the rapper continued to assault her after the camera was turned off. Then, the camera was supposedly turned back on while Ellis and Carter took turns raping the woman.

The victim reported the attack to police on July 4. A subsequent search turned up a safe containing the incriminating footage.

Gary Harvey, another of Mystikal's attorneys, showed detectives an affidavit dated July 4 and signed by the woman saying she had consensual sex with the three men.

However, according to the police report, the woman told investigators six days later that Harvey deceived her into thinking "the case had been jeopardized, therefore making her feel compelled to sign the affidavit," and that she still wanted to go forward with the charges.

Mystikal and cohorts are facing a life sentence if convicted of the aggravated rape charge. The extortion count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Despite the arrest, reps for the rapper say his concert appearances for July and August will go on as scheduled. (Story courtesy of the Associated Press)

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